First Build Suggestions Needed

Daniel G · June 25, 2015

Hello, I'm planning to build a PC to go along side with my laptop. Therefore, I'm not looking for the desktop to replace my laptop, but I definitely would like to be an improvement overall.

I want a well rounded computer that can game a little, but can also multitask and be able to power applications i.e. Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects.

I'm not on a tight schedule, nor do I need to buy everything at once. If necessary, I can buy the parts at different times for when they are on sale (which is obviously preferred).

My budget limit is $700 but i would prefer to have a nice buffer between the cost and my limit.

I'm living in New York, America... so $USD please

I really like the Fractal Design Define R5 and I'm not willing to change it. I would also prefer an SSD for my OS (Windows 8.1) but I am willing to combine my SSD and HDD for a Hybrid.

I don't need to overclock, but I wouldn't mind the ability to in the future.

I'm planning to buy all my components new and I already have a Monitor, Mouse, and Keyboard.

I plan to have a second monitor in the future and I would like to have SLI or Crossfire for future upgrades.

I do need a good wireless card since I am several walls from my router.

I think my components are currently very good, but if there are any possible improvements in price or performance, then I am open t o suggestions. Thank You for your help.

Current Parts List: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/TechBent/saved/KdR6Mp

SeanAngelo · June 25, 2015

Hello, I'm planning to build a PC to go along side with my laptop. Therefore, I'm not looking for the desktop to replace my laptop, but I definitely would like to be an improvement overall.

I want a well rounded computer that can game a little, but can also multitask and be able to power applications i.e. Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects.

I'm not on a tight schedule, nor do I need to buy everything at once. If necessary, I can buy the parts at different times for when they are on sale (which is obviously preferred).

My budget limit is $700 but i would prefer to have a nice buffer between the cost and my limit.

I'm living in New York, America... so $USD please

I really like the Fractal Design Define R5 and I'm not willing to change it. I would also prefer an SSD for my OS (Windows 8.1) but I am willing to combine my SSD and HDD for a Hybrid.

I don't need to overclock, but I wouldn't mind the ability to in the future.

I'm planning to buy all my components new and I already have a Monitor, Mouse, and Keyboard.

I plan to have a second monitor in the future and I would like to have SLI or Crossfire for future upgrades.

I do need a good wireless card since I am several walls from my router.

I think my components are currently very good, but if there are any possible improvements in price or performance, then I am open t o suggestions. Thank You for your help.

Current Parts List: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/TechBent/saved/KdR6Mp

you may want to go nvidia since it can take advantage of it in adobe programs

demtacosdoe · June 25, 2015

I love the define r5, but using it on such a limited budget is unreasonable. the define series is for approx 1000 dollar builds in my opinion.

also, unless you only want to use your rig for gaming, I personally reccommend intel. it's better for editing, photoshop etc. check this out:

the os is gonna add 80 bucks to your build, so bear that in mind. you are currently overbudget i believe

DO NOT THINK ABOUT FUTUREPROOFING GPUs. if you want SLI or xfire, get it now. you'll save money. always remember how volatile the GPU market is, and how fast harware becomes obsolete. i doubt that unless you play rather casual/indie games, your GPU will last more than 4 years. i personally prefer buying one GPU at double the price as you lose VRAM with SLI and xfire

the wireless card will also jack up the price

to slash the price, see if you can get a cheaper non modular power supply. sure they are ugly, but it won't affect performane and you need all the dollars you can spare

bear in mind i'm a noob like you, so take my advice with a grain of salt

good luck with the build

Dzzope · June 25, 2015

i5, 240GB SSD, MUCH better psu.. May want to change the case / get an extra case fan.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($166.95 @ SuperBiiz)

Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H81M-S1 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($39.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Memory: Team Dark 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($46.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: OCZ ARC 100 240GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($80.00 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($44.99 @ Amazon)

Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280 3GB Black Edition Double Dissipation Video Card ($151.00 @ Newegg)

Case: BitFenix Comrade ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ NCIX US)

Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)

Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WDN4800 802.11a/b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($37.49 @ Adorama)

Total: $657.39

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-25 10:52 EDT-0400

Dzzope · June 25, 2015

Just noticed the stipulation around the Define.. Though perhaps a Define S (same case just no dvd drive) if you care about that particular look more than performance..

This will give you SLI, upgrade path to an i7 (and overclocking on a K series processor) Double the SSD space and a much better PSU than in your build.. Unfortunately it's $12 over BUT the ssd I've seen for 70 regularly so thats just 2 you need to save extra or find a different sale for.